What technique is commonly used for measuring laser output power?

The technique that is commonly used for measuring laser output power is through the use of calibrated photodetectors and power meters. These instruments are designed to accurately gauge the intensity of the laser beam and convert it into an electrical signal, which can then be quantified to determine the power output in units such as watts. Calibrated equipment ensures that the measurements are reliable and can be compared against standard benchmarks, making it suitable for both laboratory and industrial use.

Using visual observation of the beam does not provide a reliable or quantitative measurement of power output because it is subjective and dependent on human perception. Temperature measurements of the laser may provide some indirect information regarding the system's performance but do not directly reflect the output power. Manual calculation of energy consumption could give an approximation, yet it lacks the precision and direct correlation to the output power that calibrated instruments provide. This is why calibrated photodetectors and power meters are the preferred method for accurately measuring laser output power.